Glacier Collapse Buries Swiss Village, One Missing

BLATTEN, Switzerland — A picturesque village in Switzerland was largely buried following the dramatic collapse of the Birch Glacier on Wednesday, May 28, authorities reported.

The Valais government stated that the glacier’s collapse triggered a massive landslide, leading to significant destruction in Blatten, a village located approximately 55 miles south of Bern. The landslide left a thick deposit of ice and rock, covering much of the settlement.

According to a Thursday statement from officials, “one person is missing.” The Cantonal Police of Valais confirmed the individual is a 64-year-old man who was likely in the area at the time of the incident. Search efforts are ongoing, but as of the latest update, he has not yet been found.

Local police highlighted that the man was reported missing around 4:35 p.m. on Wednesday. The government also noted that 300 residents had been evacuated as a precaution on May 19, following warnings from geologists about the glacier’s instability.

Officials reported that the Lonza River is currently blocked, creating a risk of flooding. “The challenge lies in the behavior of this accumulation of water, which could cause a torrential flow if the river overflows,” officials warned.

The regional government has deployed substantial resources to manage the situation, including preparing military support. They urged the population to strictly adhere to safety instructions and avoid the affected areas.

Blatten’s mayor, Matthias Bellwald, expressed sorrow over the event in a press conference, stating, “We’ve lost the village, but not the heart.” Security chief Stephane Ganzer described the incident as a significant catastrophe, remarking that about 90% of the village is either covered or destroyed.